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Since the last check, the Cubs have fallen – climbed? – into 4th place in the reverse standings, having been passed by the White Sox. Given the relative schedules down the stretch, as well as the rosters, the White Sox were always expected to move past the Cubs. Indeed, the White Sox haven’t won since we last performed this exercise.

Here’s how things stand today (in reverse order), with 23 games left for the Cubs:

1. Houston Astros – 46-93

2. Miami Marlins – 52-86

3. Chicago White Sox – 56-82

4. Chicago Cubs – 59-80

5. Milwaukee Brewers – 60-79

6. Minnesota Twins – 61-77

7. San Diego Padres – 62-77

8. San Francisco Giants – 62-77

9. Philadelphia Phillies – 63-77

10. Seattle Mariners – 63-76

11. New York Mets – 63-75

12. Toronto Blue Jays – 64-76

13. Los Angeles Angels – 64-74

14. Colorado Rockies – 66-75

As we’ve discussed before, the real key here is to stay within the bottom 10 so that your team’s first round pick in 2014 is protected (leaving open at least the slim possibility that the Cubs could go after a big-time free agent who’s been made a qualifying offer).

In that regard, things are looking more comfortable for the Cubs. The teams in the 8 to 12 range were generally two or three games better than the Cubs as of last week, but now they’re more like three to five games better. The odds that the Cubs will fall out of the bottom 10 at this point are remote, though a winning streak could certainly put them quickly in the 8 to 10 range. The Cubs, by virtue of their record last year, will hold the tiebreaker over any team they might tie in the standings, so that will help.

The team just behind the Cubs, the Brewers, are on deck for the Cubs in a three-game set.

Trouble with that is, we want the losses now so the Cubs have a better/real chance of making the playoffs and getting a World Series win in the near future. So we’re rooting for the World Series, while you’re rooting for the next game. Who’s the “true fan”, again?

Snark aside, I respect that many fans want the W all the time. As someone on these threads once said, I want the Cubs to play great games, win them all, and still get the best pick in the draft.

Why yes, I *would* like a piece of that lovely cake, and to eat it as well!

chrisfchi

Chicago is my home. The Cubs are my baseball team. Just can’t root, root, root for the away team

How many of those teams had multiple top ten draft position in the five years rpior to winning, vs. How many did not?

So why does a higher draft pick equate to having “better/real chance of making the playoffs and getting a World Series win in the near future”? It doesn’t look like history backs up that position.

Edwin

How many of those teams had signifigant contributions from home grown talent, or talent aquired in trade by giving up home grown talent?

Kenster

How about the Cardinals and Pirates this year? Cardinals.. Allen Craig, Matt Caprenter, Yadier Molina, John Jay, Kolton Wong, Shelby Miller, quality bullpen arms, Craig Adams. All homegrown. Pirates, McCutchen, Neil Walker, Starling Marte, Pedro Alvarez, Gerrit Cole, more quality bullpen arms..
Homegrown talent seems like its making a nice impact on teams core players. And the Cardinals and Pirates both have top farm systems they can use to acquire more talent or use if they need to.

So essentially three out of ten of those teams. Doesn’t seem like it’s the necessary way to do things.

bbmoney

Necessary? Of course not. No one has said that.

But does it help to have the first pick at top flight talent all else being equal? Well….yeah.

Pat

Here is the quote I was responding to:

“we want the losses now so the Cubs have a better/real chance of making the playoffs and getting a World Series win in the near future”

Losing now does not give you a better chance of winning in the future. Yes, you might draft a better player (might), but you’re also starting from a deeper hole.

Edwin

I agree on your last point.

Eternal Pessimist

Yes, you are starting in a deeper hole. I root (not completely realistically) for the team to loose enough to get a great (not good) pick while the most crucial team members are outstanding, and a very bad few cause the all the losses. I think most people who are rooting for losses are rooting for the same. This probably doesn’t happen too often in history.

Cyranojoe

True enough. If you didn’t buy into the plan from the get-go, or if you’ve changed your mind, I respect your perspective. It’s a gamble, but so is any approach. There are 28 other teams each year who tried *something* and failed. (And then there’s the Marlins…) Considering how our prospects ranked three years ago and where they stand today, I’m pretty damn happy with the approach so far. (I’d also argue that we’re already deep deep in a hole — losing this season and last won’t change that.)

That said, I don’t root-root-root for losses as much as I nod and go, “Okay guys,” and look to the future. I also feel bad for the guys on the team right now, and worry what the losses do to the mindset of our core, but then I hear about Sharks’ competitive attitude and Rizzo’s calm cool demeanor and I’m hopeful.

Which is what it all boils down to. Hope for the future.

Edwin

Actually, you only listed 7 teams. So, 3 out of 7. Almost half. If you take out Boston and New York, since the Cubs probably can’t afford to compete using that type of strategy, it’s 3 out of 5.

Either way, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that all of those teams got considerable contributions from home grown players. Drafting in the top 10 greatly increases the chances of getting solid home grown players.

Kyle

We are getting significant contributions from homegrown players right now.

Jimmy James

Rules have changed so that’s really apples to oranges with all the recent changes to the draft

jayrig5

I don’t cheer for the other team, but losses right now don’t bother me at all. This is the only situation in which that is the case. When they were flirting with .500 earlier this year, I wanted to win every game and make a run at the Wild Card. But now, in September, I don’t actively want them to lose, I’m just sort of apathetic about the results, and I can certainly see the positive of drafting higher. (And a lot of people seem to join me in my apathy, judging by attendance figures.)

I just really, really, really hope this is the last September in which this is the case, just like I really hoped that this previous trading deadline was the last one to feature the Cubs selling off players left and right.

Cyranojoe

^ ^ This!

John (ibcnu2222)

Do you think we could get Beede with the 4th pick?

BigCck

Maybe

On The Farm

Lots of factors here on where Beede will fall. What HS kid explodes next year? Does Rodon have a lack luster season and slip out of the top 10? Does Beede out perform Rodon? Every FO takes the “best available talent”, but does one FO value Beede different the next? Its a bit early to tell.

CubFan Paul

I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for the Brewers. It’s going to be a strange month.

BigCck

U ain’t a true fan bro

EvenBetterNewsV2.0

I have always loved words of wisdom from people who follow that up with bro. Makes me feel more enlightened.

Good Captain

The reality is he Brewers have largely owned us this season. The Brewers suck but against us they suck less.

BigCck

Can’t wait for the draft… maybe they’ll get that final piece lol

chrisfchi

How about, instead of rooting for a cubs loss, let’s root for a Miami and Houston win streak.

BigCck

That what I’m talkin bout man

Starlin Backer

That would need to be one hell of a streak!

BigCck

Yo Brett, would u ever root for a Cubs loss?

jon

Would you, Big Cock?

BigCck

No way Jon. Too much damn pride. I beed blue bro

Chad

I’m not rooting for the cubs to lose. I’m rooting for the 2013 Cubs to put the organization in the best position moving forward to succeed. If that is losing to get a better draft pick so be it. Does that not make me a true fan. This is a lost season, so as a fan I should shift to the seasons where there are glimmers of hope and potential. Winning a bunch of games this year does not help the cubs do that.

BigCck

So…. youre rooting for the Cubs to lose

jon

That’s quite a strawman, huh, Big Cock?

BigCck

My initials are CCK. Cory Charles Kingman. You have a sick mind dawg

http://Jplgxk AlwaysNextYear

Yeah ok dawg

Carew

He’s either in high school or college. Let it slide haha

Chad

I never root for them to lose, I doubt anyone cheers for that, but I’m not upset when they lose and I don’t get overly excited for a win. I honestly wish the cubs had the number 1 pick next year. I think there will be a lot of good options at the top. But winning ball games is no longer valuable to the cubs this year. Getting guys experience for next year is or evaluating potential BP, end of rotation and bench guys for next year is. So I’m rooting for them to do that. If it’s a win fine, if it’s a loss ok.

Eternal Pessimist

I’m rooting for 1 run losses or 10 run victories.

Frank

This is getting to be sickening. I so much like “the real key here is to stay within the bottom 10″ . There’s so much excitement with the race to the bottom this year. Lets start a betting pool to see who can predict how many #1 picks they can get in the next 20 years.

macpete22

Having a higher pick will allow the Cubs to add more impact talent to the organization. That can only be a good thing in the long run

BigCck

If you were Dale, would u throw games?

macpete22

No

BigCck

Damn right

gutshot5820

As far as Dale is concerned he is managing for his job and future now. Hence the reason he is grinding down Russell for no apparent reason and freaking out at Castro instead of building his confidence. If the Cubs end up canning him, he at least wants to look credible to other teams since he has no track record.

Noah

Well, whatever Dale said seems to have worked. Over his last 10 games (48 PAs), Castro has hit .333/.396/.571 with 2 HRs, 4 2Bs, 4 BBs and just 5 Ks.

Gutshot5820

Castro started doing well after he subtly told his coach and all his hitting instructors to leave him alone. He basically told everyone to back off and that he is going to hit his own way. Please don’t give the credit to Dale. It was the exact opposite of what you are claiming.

Cubbie Blues

I never saw that quote. Can you please provide it for me?

auggie55

I agree

CubsFaninMS

That must be adequately balanced with winning in the Majors, though. If we keep kicking that can down the road we will be perennial losers. At some point our front office needs to shift from “obvious good picks due to bad seasons” (i.e. Bryant and Baez) to “finding diamonds in the rough even with GOOD seasons”. This is what the Cardinals are doing. If you have a darn good scouting department, you can find good draft picks without having to be perennial losers. I agree with a poster earlier who said that, with the new rules in place, the better formula for success is drafting the right players, executing the right trades, and finding a select few younger, impact free agents. The Angels/Dodgers method of running your team show that mixed results may occur and normally will not win you a championship.

macpete22

Rockies outright Colvin

BigCck

Screw Colvy. I was NEVER bout that life

Steve Ontiveros’ Mustache

Who woulda thunk that D.J. LaMahieu would turn out to be the best player involved in that deal?

BigCck

Me

TWC

Yeah, D.J. “78 OPS+” LeMahieu.

C.C.K.

Lol

miggy80

How are we going to sign a top ten pick? We’re broke!

BigCck

They’ll ‘magically’ find a way lol

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

I think I’ll have to ask that you edit your name. I know you don’t have the all-important “o” in there, but it’s still too close. Congratulations on the goods, but it’s just not an appropriate name.

If CCK are your initials, how about just CCK?

BigCck

Its honestly my initials but it does look weird lol sorry. How do I change it?

Eternal Pessimist

With a scalpel and some stitches.

miggy80

Congrats on the “goods” hehehe

gutshot5820

Well, at least the Ricketts’ have finally been exposed. I’ve been saying this for years now. We NEVER had a shot at dual fronts because we got a frugal financial bean counter as an owner. We got the short end of the stick as far as the possible owners we could’ve had. He better not walk around the bleachers after this year shaking everyone’s hand as if he is the greatest sports fan/owner on earth with that sneaky smile of his. He deceived us with sneaky “every dollar is going back into baseball operations” statement.

Oh well, it’s not my money and there’s nothing I can do about it so…. Go Baez, Bryant, Solar, etc..I guess I have to quit bitching about the payroll because the secret’s out. The Ricketts are not going to spend unless the money is rolling in. Let’s root for the farm because that’s all we got for now.

In the Theo era, there will NEVER be a big-time FA signing. Mark my words son

Cubbie Blues

Ok, pops. I’ll have to take your crystal ball on that one.

Cyranojoe

HA.

Cubbie Blues

You still didn’t show how they won’t win long term.

bcb

keep on trollin

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

“Well, at least the Ricketts’ have finally been exposed. I’ve been saying this for years now. We NEVER had a shot at dual fronts because we got a frugal financial bean counter as an owner.”

I’m still waiting to see anything that supports that purported revelation.

jon

Well, there is plenty to support that the term “Dual Fronts” was a lie, or at the very least, a pointless cliche tossed out at Theo’s presser.

C.C.K.

Its just a bunch of BS. Imma birn my ‘In Theo We Trust Shirt’ or just feed it to the local coyotes

hansman1982

You want to know what “Dual Fronts” DOESN’T look like. The Houston Astros.

The FO has taken at least $10M and possibly $15M a year out of the big league payroll to put towards the farm system, scouting and FO staffs. With the payroll level we have been at and the division we are in, we would have been much more likely to contend these last two year had Jim been spending on the minor leagues the same way he did in 2011 for the years prior.

hansman1982

(and had the FO moves in 2012 worked out better)

gutshot5820

I don’t understand what you mean. It’s pretty obvious he was never willing to front the money to kickstart the organization on dual fronts. It was totally possible to build on dual fronts if he was willing to spend.

But I know you need to keep in the Cubs good graces to get your occasioal accesd so it’s acceptable for you to defend the Ricketts.

Cubbie Blues

Yeah, like he did with the roof tops, who used to be an advertiser? Now, that is akin to attacking Ace’s ethics.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

“But I know you need to keep in the Cubs good graces to get your occasioal accesd so it’s acceptable for you to defend the Ricketts.”

Calling me stupid (for not getting what is so obvious to you) AND questioning my integrity all in the same sentence? You got skillz.

Fishin Phil

Are you sure we can’t get an ignore button on the comments screen? Pretty please!

Gutshot5820

Brett, I really enjoy your writing, but for someone that makes an excellent living off of his readers you sure can be spiteful sometimes.

“Calling me stupid (for not getting what is so obvious to you)”

As if your opinion is worth .02 more than anyone else. What is so obvious to me may not be so obvious to you, but you know what? Who cares? I disagree with a;lot of your assumptions and I’m sure you don’t give one second of thought on that. For example, you are advocating that Darvish is the only free agent we really missed out on. Oh please, that statement is so far-fetched as to be borderline pandering. If you want to play the hindsight game and ask me what free agents we passed on, I could probably field a World Series team.

And no, I AM NOT questioning your integrity. But I have a hard time believing as a business person there is not a part of you that has to be careful to balance your criticism with the Cubs without getting on their blacklist. Hence, criticism propped up by silver linings and positivism. But, whatever, have a nice day..

http://deepcenterfield.blogspot.com Jason Powers

Would Brett do a better job slobberknocking the Cubs everyday? Would people want to read CUBS SUCK/STINK! everyday?

I often read Brett not because operations can drastically change day to day (aside from the pre-trade deadline or megatrades in the offseason), but because he manages a different take on various issues. (And I don’t agree always, I criticized him pretty hard when I TOO was in a bad mood or place for a day.)

Some here, and I know who they are, are like kids in a station wagon crossed with a diva on a movie set. Always, “are we there yet?” and “I gotta have my LATTE!” endless rotating conversation.

DarthHater

Since your comments about Brett plainly lack any basis in reality, one can safely assume that your remarks about Ricketts are equally vacuous.

Gutshot5820

Spoken like true lawyer… so I can by your statement assume that you’ve never been wrong in your assessments ever? And if you ever had, we can assume any comments you’ve ever made has no basis of truth or credibility? Oh please get off you high horse and move along.

Cubbie Blues

Nice redirect. You still didn’t address your slanderous remark about this blog’s ethics.

DarthHater

Sure he did. He tacitly admitted that he was wrong in his assessment of Brett. Of course, a direct admission might be nicer.

Joker

Get the popcorn…I’m enjoying this.

jon

What I don’t get is how Yu Darvish was the only “smart option” to improve our big league roster. Yes I have no problem with them passing on Pujols, Fielder, or Josh Hamilton but look at some of the options the past couple of years.

I think they should have got one at least two of these:
Darvish, Anibal, Liriano, Cespedes, Puig, CJ Wilson

Got involved in Dodgers or Marlins firesale(take on money) and come away with someone like Hanley Ramizerz

DeJesus, Castro, Rizzo, Puig, Cespedes, Hanley, Castillo, Barney

Again, “Dual Fronts” was just nonsense to pacify the fans.

hansman1982

“I think they should have got one at least two of these:
Darvish, Anibal, Liriano, Cespedes, Puig, CJ Wilson”

The Darvish horse has been thouroughly beaten.
Sanchez played the Cubs to get more money from the Tigers
Liriano had significant question marks last year
Cespedes, the Cubs wouldn’t budge on the years of control and that may turn out to be a smart move
Puig was either a scouting miss by 29 teams or the Dodgers are really the greatest franchise ever or they got really lucky
Wilson was pretty dead-set on going to southern California

Ya, they should have gotten Darvish but the Rangers smoked the rest of the league so bad in the bidding that you wouldn’t have been happy they overspent 28 other teams to get him.

If Theo isn’t operating on a Dual Fronts mode, he is doing a terrible job of it as they have spent $200M on payroll the last two years.

jon

“Ya, they should have gotten Darvish but the Rangers smoked the rest of the league so bad in the bidding that you wouldn’t have been happy they overspent 28 other teams to get him.”

I doubt that.

http://Jplgxk AlwaysNextYear

Yeah you would have been at the time. That’s clearly what people here do is just bitch to bitch

http://Jplgxk AlwaysNextYear

No saying just you I believe it to be true to all sports fans.

jon

Again, “posting money” is a one time sunk cost. There is no salary cap in baseball. The Rangers fans don’t give a shit the team spent the money. Unless the owner takes that sunk cost, and adjust payroll down based on that cost, that’s the only reason I would care.

http://Jplgxk AlwaysNextYear

Yes but there has to be some kinda limits to which a team spends. That’s why all these players are getting such ridicoulous deals now. The owners wanna complain about contract figures nowadays but its there own fault for giving out previous contracts that lead up to this point. I get what your saying Darvish was not just a run of the mill player like many of the Cubans or others foreign players meaning your unsure what your getting, he was very polished and was already a MLB quality starter. I wish the Cubs would have gone after him cause now that deal looks great.

http://Jplgxk AlwaysNextYear

Sorry went more towards overall contracts and not posting cost. My bad

Pat

“If Theo isn’t operating on a Dual Fronts mode, he is doing a terrible job of it as they have spent $200M on payroll the last two years.”

If Theo is operating in a dual fronts mode he’s doing a terrible job of it, as the team on the field has sucked the last two years.

Napercal

If the organization loses $7 million for each 100,000 fan loss in attendance, how does fielding a AAA team at the major league level help in the long run? There is debt to be paid! This morning on the radio, Len Kasper, in assessing Brian Bogesivec and Ryan Sweeney said that each “might” be a 4th or 5th outfielder on a good team. That can be said for many of the players who saw significant time this year. The Cubs fielded a team that was non-competitive this year. They played hard and Sveum managed what he had well. The players are just not good at baseball. It is possible for a major league team to be competitive without breaking the bank on free agency. Oakland manages to do it every year. I live in Chicago. You can get tickets to any game for far less than face value here. The Cubs are not the topic of conversation anywhere! An organization can only sell fans on prospects for so long and the fact that Castro and Rizzo had disappointing seasons hasn’t helped with that sales job. If the Cubs field a team with as little talent next year as this year, I don’t see how attendance will hold up. Wrigley Field won’t begin generating new revenues for at least the next couple of years and there won’t be a new tv contract next year. (It would sem to me that an organization can earn more from anew tv contract if its major league team is interesting to watch – higher ad revenues). I suspect from Ricketts comments, that the debt won’t be decreasing any time soon. The Cubs need fannies in the seats to generate revenues. People in Chicago are not going to fill those seats if the on-field product remains this bad. Someone please explain to me how this helps the Cubs in the long run.

Steve Ontiveros’ Mustache

I want an ownership/front office to spend intelligently. Whose payroll and record would you like to have this year?

1) Angels
2) Phillies
3) Pirates

Spending a lot of money just doesn’t guarantee you win. You want to pick up some Soriano like contracts and hobble this team for years? Yes, I want Ricketts to spend money. Smartly. On players that can win and in a way that can be sustainable. This approach hurts right now, but I believe in it.

Cyranojoe

I think they want 4) Dodgers. Which everybody and their cousin thought was going to IMPLODE at the beginning of the year… and is gonna be an albatross in a few short years.

Jason

Albatross shortly is correct as Magic J. and Co. were taken big time by Red Sox.

jon

I don’t see Adrian Gonzalez contract being an albratross, maybe slightly bad,
Becketss deal is done next year, and they will use their financial muscle to deal with the Crawford contract.

Cyranojoe

AGon’s a fair deal, so if the only big contract they have left after next year is Crawford, I guess they’re not in as deep as I thought. Bah, that’s what I get not doing my research.

hansman1982

The Dodgers are in a whole different category than everyone else. I honestly believe they could sign big name FAs to every postion and still make money hand over fist.

Cyranojoe

Only as long as they win. L.A. is a fickle town. I know, I live here.

Justin

The Dodgers take in $340 Million a year from their TV deal. That’s about $300 Million more than the Avg. MLB TV contract. Carl Crawford’s contract isn’t going to put a dent in their payroll. And actually Crawford has been playing pretty well. The other contracts aren’t bad at all. I don’t think it was such a slam dunk deal for the BoSox after all, although it seems to have worked for both teams.

On The Farm

I am heading out to Chi-town Saturday (I believe that will be Arrieta’s turn). Really looking forward to seeing what he has in person. However, this is a “big” series standings-wise

willis

I think for someone like Arrieta, forgetting the standings for a day to want to see him succeed is acceptable. Even for the “losing is awesome.” crowd. This last 2-3 weeks, seeing a strong finish from Castro, Rizzo, Arrieta, and the pen is much more important than the standings. JMO but those are going to be keys to being better next season, any bit of good feeling can’t hurt. Even if it takes the cubs from #4 to #6 or #7. JMO.

hansman1982

Frankly, if the Cubs win out based on huge performances from guys that we really need to take a step forward next year, I don’t think anyone will complain. Kvetch that we won’t have a protected pick, sure.

This is where the “LOSING IS AWESOME” crowd has been mis-understood. It’s not that we want to lose, we just don’t care that pieces that aren’t going to be here next year get traded away for future assets.

willis

Right…I don’t think they can “catch” the #10 pick or higher at this point, even playing out the season with their hair on fire. There are guys though that need to finish strong, and we need to all root for that.

C.C.K.

I changed it, Brett. U happy now? Lol

Cubbie Blues

I’m sure he’s not happy that you are being a condescending prick.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Happy about the name, yes. I’ve never been a big fan of excessive text-speak or “lols,” though.

I recommend you take a breather. Come back when you have something to contribute beyond 30 non-substantive comments in 15 minutes.

C.C.K.

I’ll take your advice, Brett. Keep doing what you do man, I’m a long time BN reader and as soon as I post something, there are misunderstandings. Mad respect, bro.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Thanks. Advice: less is more. Read other folks’ comments and get a sense of how folks interact before jumping in with both feet. It ends up being a better experience for all of us.

Jono

That’s some amazing advice that I still have trouble following sometimes. I think I’m getting better, though.

hansman1982

I never follow it.

HI-OH-SILVER AWAY!

Frank

I have an idea. Lets repeat history and trade Castro to the turdbirds for a broken down pitcher. Hey it almost worked before, so lets try it again.

C.C.K.

Sorry everyone. Just stating my opinions

Cubbie Blues

Somehow, I don’t believe either one of those sentences.

Cubbie Blues

Well, the second isn’t really a sentence since it is missing the period.

CubsFaninMS

If you give people like this attention, you develop more Miley Cyruses. Leave him alone and I’m sure he will go away.

C.C.K.

Its from the heart man. I bleed blue

BT

you should have that looked at.

willis

HA…nice.

Jono

We don’t take kindly to folks who defend their opinions around here

Eternal Pessimist

I don’t like the way you said that…

Jono

We don’t take kindly to folks who don’t take kindly around here

cubchymyst

For Cubs vs Brewers I’m picturing the south park episode when they are in little league and both teams are trying to lose on purpose.

On The Farm

Why is South Park relevant in every topic. It is very funny, and very true.

C.C.K.

I don’t think Brett gets the credit he really deserves. Let’s show him some love. Thanks for all u do, Brett!

http://www.bleachernation.com salesguy

I think the cubs are doing this the right way, there will be plenty of time for the big money signings when the time is right. Quite frankly, the Angels can have Albert looking like a shadow of his former self, and Hamilton sputtering along. When Theo was hired we were told to look at the long view, and that this would take some time, then 2-3 years in people whining about how cheap Ricketts is, and about how we don’t spend on big name free agents to improve the club, we tried that approach for 108 years, and here we are. Even if you’re pessemistic on the rebuild, and it takes 7-8 years to build a consistent winner that competes every year, I will gladly endure my unwatchable team, and smile at the draft pick, because every season like this, gets us a little closer.

Jono

exactly

1060Ivy

You’re significantly off on the 108 years of big free agent signings. The Tribune was known as pinch pennies till the latter years of ownership and prior to them Wrigley was also a bit of a miser which covers about 90 or so of the 108 years you mentioned.

The Tribune may have signed a big player on occasion but weren’t known for big free agent signings. Believe the rumor was that they let a young Greg Maddux walk over something like 40k and Andre Dawson had to hand them a blank contract in order for the Tribune to sign him.

Jono

that’s true, too. I still wouldn’t say that that strategy is a good one, but yea, the Tribune didn’t spend much at all.

http://www.bleachernation.com salesguy

I use that as more of a metaphor for the bad decisions and management that have plagued this team for so long, the Tribune, as well as Wrigley, did a lot of things that put the Cubs in the hole they currently find themselves. My point was that, if you look at the decisions currently being made by baseball operations, and new ownership, that though it will take some time to undo 108 years of poor decisions of all kinds, I believe that you can see a path where this gets done, and we are in a position of competing for the playoffs and dare I say World Series on a consistent basis

EQ76

and if i recall correctly, a few of those years that we actually did spend on FA’s got us some playoff appearances.

Featherstone

I predicted that the Cubs would go 9-15 before yesterday’s game given the strength of the schedule left to play, I think 8 wins in the next 23 game seems reasonable. What does everyone else predict over the final stretch?

willis

6-17 is my prediction.

chrisfchi

Honestly, a strong finish of 12-11 would be great. Any number close to that works for me.

Featherstone

12 wins would be impressive given that we have 7 games against PIT, 3 against ATL, 3 against, CIN, 3 against STL, 7 against MIL (who have had our number this year).

auggie55

I’m on board with how the Cubs under Rickets and Theo are trying to rebuild from the bottom up. This is something that will take time, but soon we will see the benefits.

It was always frustrating as a Cub fan watching how the Expos could always draft or trade for so many great young players – Raines, Dawson, L. Walker, M. Alou, and Gary Carter to name just a few. The Cubs started to draft great young players under Dallas Green, but showed him the door after only a few years. Their minor leagues have sucked ever since.

So I don’t want to see any more Edwin Jacksons to try and appease the fans. Let’s just be a liittle patient when these young players like Bryant and Baez are ready.

1060Ivy

Ricketts is in season 4 of ownership. During their stewardship the Cubs are on their way to losing over 370 games in these 4 seasons. Next year’s squad could easily lose 100 games without decent additions, players progressing and prospects arriving ready to play.

I’m all for drafting and developing the minor league system but not at the continued sake of killing another several seasons of the MLB team.

For me the reason to watch is Castro/Rizzo/Castillo/Lake/Shark/Wood and any other player that might be here for the long term. W/L are not what I care about, development of core players is the important thing.

The Dude

Since Memorial Day I’ve watched a game about every 7-10 days and always root for the Cubs to win but in between the games I’m watching the only thing I care about is organizational/player development. At this stage in the season I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m hoping to land a top 5 pick in next year’s draft.

cavemencubbie

I wish all the juveniles on this site would grow up and get off the ‘tit’. Baseball is a business and billionaires don’t owe fans a world series. If anything Cubbie losing is about poor previous ownership, Wrigley using the Cubs as a sandbox and tax write-off and the Trib just being media people. Marc Cuban wanted to buy the Cubs and backed out when Zell wanted the moon. I think Ricketts bought into Zell’s bad deal and it will take time for him to get his financial house in order. Wrigleyville and Chicago politics aren’t helping.

Jon

Selig blackballed Cuban, which is why he doesn’t own the Cubs.

On The Farm

“Baseball is a business and billionaires don’t owe fans a world series”

No, they don’t. But, if their is a correlation between winning and attendance it makes sense to at least provide the illusion of trying to win a World Series. If the fans don’t buy into your illusion, they aren’t going to come and if they don’t come you won’t make any money.

EQ76

“Baseball is a business and billionaires don’t owe fans a world series”

Um… yes they kind of do when that’s what they promise to do. Or at least look like they’re trying.

All this rebuild stuff is hard and painful. We all expected this for a couple years. I just don’t know how much we can stomach. 2 years of crap is tough to sit through. We all need some light at the end of the tunnel to show itself before too long. Next year could show that. Let’s hope.

caryatid62

The Cubs owe no one anything. They provide a product, and you either pay to see that product or you don’t.

I haven’t gone to more than 1 or 2 games per year over the last few years–not because I’ve got some moral objection to the team or ownership, but because it’s not fun to go to games when they’re terrible. It’s entertainment, after all. I don’t go to terrible movies just so Universal can continue to operate. Treat the Cubs like any other business–they treat you like any other consumer.

If they can’t provide a worthwhile product, just act like a consumer and don’t patronize it. Simple as that.

Cubbie Blues

That’s a big problem in the difference in the two sides of thinking. To me they do look like they are trying. The Egyptians didn’t start with the cap-stone, they started with a wide firm base. Then after that was developed they went to the next level and so on and so forth.

On The Farm

I am not sure if you meant to reply to me or not, but I agree with cavemancubbie, owners don’t owe fans anything. However, if they want to be a profitable business they will produce a product that works. If every time I bought a Chevy it broke down at 80,000 miles, and my neighbor bought a Ford and it goes 100,000 miles, after a few years I am going to start buying Fords and even if Chevys starting going 100,000 I might not switch back because I like my new car. My analogy here is if the Cubs don’t run their “business” like Ford instead of the Chevy (which conveniently I made 20% better) people aren’t going to buy their “product” and shift their taste elsewhere.

Cubbie Blues

My old Avatar dislikes this analogy.

On The Farm

Yeah I was going to list it as Chevy/Ford, but I figured that would get too confusing. For the record I own a Chevy.

Cubbie Blues

Yeah, my old Avatar was my Cobra I had to sell when my daughter (Addison) was born.

DarthHater

Please tell me you also have a son named Clark.

Cubbie Blues

Nope, sorry to disappoint DH.

MichiganGoat

Tim before the lil girl was born [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/41/Cobra_movie_poster.jpg/220px-Cobra_movie_poster.jpg[/img]

Cubbie Blues

Ha, I still look like that in my head.

http://bleachernation.com ramy 16

Dave Sappelt cleared waivers and outrighted to AAA

TWC

In his case, D.F.A. stands for Dude’s a Fracking Asshat.

Cubbie Blues

He also cleared his test in douche-baggery.

On The Farm

What? You mean no one claimed him?

Die hard

A race to the bottom– you don’t think other teams have this in mind and have developed a strategy to gain ground by losing ? Bad teams used to want to be spoilers — am sure if there was a MLB bonus paid for each game won against a contender this would give the fans some good baseball at the end of the season where bad teams are involved

EvenBetterNewsV2.0

Yes, because MLB loves to hand out free money to clubs that have sucked as a courtesy to make some fans want to be there. If they are bad in April in May, what makes them suddenly competitive in August and September after typically your best players are traded? The players aren’t trying to throw the game. We just suck that bad across the board. Most players outside of the core are playing for a job.

mjhurdle

how much money would MLB have to pay a team to pass on their chance at a Stratsburg or Harper i wonder…more than i few thousand a game i’d bet.

http://bleachernation.com ramy16

Boston claims they will not sign Ellsbury if it’s over a 100 million! !

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